Materials

“Materials” in film refer to both physical and digital objects which are used in film production. This includes resources that have been self-produced, including various different library footage such as sound files, video footage, props and costumes. 

Self-generated materials – Materials made within a production company using own team members, such as costumes and props.

Archive Material – Archive material is old footage that is used in previous productions from a range of different genres. When making a documentary, filmmakers often use archive footage to emphasise their narrative.

Example:

An example of a film which uses archive footage is a 2010 documentary which is directed by Asid Kapadia, named Senna. The documentary portrays the life and death of a Brazilian motor-racing champion.

Library Material – Library material represents the material, such as sound and video effects, that are stored in libraries.

• On completion of a film, non-dialogue sounds would be stored by the production company for reuse in later projects.          
• Throughout the different productions that have been created, the library of sound effects will expand. For example, the BBC has a large range of their own sound effects from their previous productions which can be edited and reused for future purposes.
• Larger production companies may also have their own video materials, which can                 range from sunsets to busy streets.

BBC sound effects library:

The BBC sound effects library consists of sounds of a range of different transport such as cars, ships, trains and aeroplanes. Within each purchase, the discs allow an unlimited use of the sound effects from the BBC.

Bundles available:

Set of discs 1-10 - £99

Set of discs 41-50 - £39

Set of discs 51-60 - £39

Internet

The internet can be a useful source to retrieve a range of copyrighted video and sound         effects for productions.

Freesound

Freesound allows you to create your own sound library using a range of different sound effects the website has to offer that enables you to download sound effects to your computer.  Anyone with internet access can upload and share their own sound files, which means that the sound effects can come in different types of quality. This would then require some time to be taken to research into the quality of the sound files.

Property Rights and Copyright

• In order to gain permission from a person or a company to use their material, you must be able to cover the costs.
• Foley artists and effects editors spend a great amount of time filtering the sound effects, which is why they should receive a fee when their work is being used.
• Before using media related material, it is vital that you acquire written permission from the owner of that material, such as a contract, which evidences them granting you access to use their work. 
• Any individual who has created a sound effect has a right to some form of income when their work is being used by others.

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